System and method for analyzing a powertrain configuration

Abstract

A powertrain optimization device and method that compares a predicted performance of customer-selected vehicle components to a customer-selected optimization goal. The optimization goal is used to determine dynamic performance thresholds. The method compares gradability at cruise, gradability at peak torque, engine speed, and startability to the dynamic thresholds to determine whether the vehicle performance will be satisfactory. The customer selections of vehicle components, selections of optimization goals, and any acknowledgements of failed performance checks are stored for later use.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A vehicle having a verifiably optimized powertrain, the vehicle comprising:
 an electronic control unit (ECU); and 
 a powertrain; 
 wherein the powertrain is configured by a computing device by:
 receiving, by the computing device, at least one specification value; 
 receiving, by the computing device, at least one expected use value; 
 determining, by the computing device, one or more powertrain optimization goals achievable with the at least one specification value for the at least one expected use value, wherein determining one or more powertrain optimization goals achievable with the at least one specification value for the at least one expected use value comprises, in response to determining that an available component can be combined with vehicle components associated with the at least one specification value to meet a powertrain optimization goal, including the powertrain optimization goal with the one or more powertrain optimization goals achievable with the at least one specification value; 
 transmitting the one or more powertrain optimization goals for presentation; and 
 causing the powertrain to be configured according to one or more powertrain configuration selections received by the computing device; and 
 
 wherein the ECU is configured to:
 collect use data comprising at least one of vehicle speed data and engine speed data; and 
 present the collected use data for comparison to the at least one expected use value for determining whether actual operation of the vehicle is consistent with the expected use value. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein determining one or more powertrain optimization goals achievable with the at least one specification value for the at least one expected use value comprises determining whether any available components can be combined with vehicle components associated with the at least one specification value to meet the powertrain optimization goal. 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the actions performed by the computing device further comprise setting thresholds for an optimization goal based on the at least one expected use value. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one expected use value includes a gross combined weight and a vehicle speed. 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the actions performed by the computing device further comprise:
 receiving a selection of a powertrain optimization goal from the one or more powertrain optimization goals transmitted for presentation; and 
 storing the selection of the powertrain optimization goal in an order for the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a vehicle speed sensor or an engine speed sensor.